Police find 4 human heads in western Mexico

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican authorities say four human heads have been found in a town in Michoacan, a western state where rural vigilantes sprang up a year ago to try to drive out a cult-like drug cartel.

A federal official says police investigators also found a threatening note along with the human remains in Zacan but wouldn't reveal its content. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to talk to the press.

He said the remains found Thursday belong to four men between 22 and 55 years of age.

The official said federal agents also found a pit in the nearby town of Tinguindin that may contain bodies.

Mexico has sent thousands of federal forces to Michoacan following shootouts between vigilantes and the Knights Templar cartel.